Life model

Architecture that fosters community not only supports the concept of shared housing, but also creates a vibrant neighborhood. The shared spaces offer diverse opportunities for intergenerational encounters and creative activities. The mobility concept deliberately forgoes an underground parking garage in favor of car, bicycle, and cargo bike sharing services. The common room and workshop embrace the spirit of the sharing economy by allowing items to be shared.

1 Elevation views
2 Ground floor plan

Housing concept

The courtyard is the key element of the housing concept. It is bordered by the common house to the north and the workshop to the south. Residential blocks surround the courtyard on the sides. A semi-transparent wooden screen shields the courtyard from the street, while opening it up to the residential path and inviting the whole neighborhood in. Private terraces and balconies face the public space. Residents access their apartments via courtyard-facing arcades, which foster a sense of community the moment they arrive home. Doorbells and mailboxes are integrated into a covered gathering area in front of the common house, providing opportunities for initial interaction. Even the apartment entrance opens to a view of the courtyard, encouraging residents to strike up conversations with neighbors lingering there. The arcades in front of the apartment doors expand into small gathering areas that facilitate interaction with residents of the opposite residential block. Today, around 80 people of all ages live there, ranging from infants to the elderly.

3 View from the common room into the courtyard
4 Living room of an upper-floor apartment
5 Living room area with a view through to the study and balcony
6 Common room: stage area and separate kitchen and dining areas
7 Common room: kitchen and dining areas

Community concept

From the beginning, the founding members prioritized establishing an open culture of communication and actively fostering a sense of community. Rather than making decisions by majority vote, they relied on systemic consensus-building, focusing on finding solutions together. One year after moving in, the value of this approach is evident, both in getting through the construction phase and in daily life as a community. Since its founding, the group has met monthly to participate in joint activities. As the group grew, biweekly work meetings became necessary. All residents participated in biographical work, a method in which people reflect on and share their life stories to get to know one another better. Non-violent communication formed the foundation for discussions and conflict resolution. The principle of systemic consensus-building ensured that all voices were heard and that solutions were implemented with the least possible resistance. Objections were systematically considered and addressed to facilitate unanimous decisions, where possible. The architects placed importance on celebrating traditional construction rituals, such as laying the cornerstone, holding a topping-out ceremony, and handing over the keys, with large festivities. These celebrations strengthened the community and projected a positive image into the neighborhood. Thus, a living space was created where everyone feels at home and enjoys living in the community.

8 The heart of the project: the common room
9 Living life facing the courtyard
10 The arcade as a place to meet
11 Private balconies
12 Where the bicycles live
13 Playful connections
14 Access to the arcades
15 Arcade

Implementation concept

At the start of the planning phase, the architects and all specialist engineers were commissioned to oversee the project through all work phases (LP). However, after Phase 4 (approval planning) was completed, the managing partners of the general partnership (GbR) expressed uncertainty about whether the project could be completed within the budget and timeline of the upcoming phases: detailed design planning, bidding, contract award, and construction management. Consequently, the cohousing group decided to hire a general contractor (GC) who could provide this assurance.

natürlich-baubio-logisch GmbH, an architectural firm specializing in wood construction and natural building materials with experience collaborating with GCs, was brought in to provide support. The firm served as an interface between the GC, the cohousing group, and management. This meant that not all implementation details had to be coordinated with the entire group, though their preferences were still considered. During weekly meetings, the architects and GC coordinated their efforts and subsequently informed the managing directors. They also prepared topics for the biweekly shareholder meetings.

In addition, decision-making delegations were formed to oversee areas such as building services systems, facade design, interior design, and outdoor spaces. These opportunities for active participation, coupled with the architects’ understanding of the needs of the general contractor and cohousing group, contributed significantly to the project’s success. As a result, the project was completed successfully. It was delivered without defects, slightly below the estimated cost, and with only a 6-week delay.

Building information

Housing project “RaumTeiler”